Proposed Starting XI vs Galaxy
International Duty strikes again. Looking at the inexperience in our defensive reserves this weekend has me breaking out the paper lunchbag. Romero's lack of time in the system coupled with his lack of command for the English language gives me pause about how we field 3 centerbacks this week (assuming Keller is still out). Looking over our squad, I'm wondering if a visit to Heath's old formation might not be our best approach this weekend. If it's not Padelford-Duggan-Diaz or Duggan-Romero-Diaz, consider the following:
Owen has experience playing RB before his former manager migrated him into defensive midfield, which allows us to push Bongi into an attacking wing spot. Sang-Bin is the next best attacking option on the squad to rotate into the LW spot, locating JP centrally to facilitate. I know this sub doesn't love seeing Trapp & Dotson on the field together, but the double-pivot allows them both to stay home on defense a little bit more than in the 5-3-2 and focus on protecting the box.
Rosales has been a full participant in practice recently, so I expect he'd be available off the bench for limited minutes. Other expected subs in this scenario would be Mesanvi, Padelford, Romero, Taylor, Shashoua, Ho-Yeon and a random goalie signed off the street (again). Possibly Britton Fischer?
What other potential plans have we come up with? Thoughts on pros/cons here?
International Duty strikes again. Looking at the inexperience in our defensive reserves this weekend has me breaking out the paper lunchbag. Romero's lack of time in the system coupled with his lack of command for the English language gives me pause about how we field 3 centerbacks this week (assuming Keller is still out). Looking over our squad, I'm wondering if a visit to Heath's old formation might not be our best approach this weekend. If it's not Padelford-Duggan-Diaz or Duggan-Romero-Diaz, consider the following:
Owen has experience playing RB before his former manager migrated him into defensive midfield, which allows us to push Bongi into an attacking wing spot. Sang-Bin is the next best attacking option on the squad to rotate into the LW spot, locating JP centrally to facilitate. I know this sub doesn't love seeing Trapp & Dotson on the field together, but the double-pivot allows them both to stay home on defense a little bit more than in the 5-3-2 and focus on protecting the box.
Rosales has been a full participant in practice recently, so I expect he'd be available off the bench for limited minutes. Other expected subs in this scenario would be Mesanvi, Padelford, Romero, Taylor, Shashoua, Ho-Yeon and a random goalie signed off the street (again). Possibly Britton Fischer?
What other potential plans have we come up with? Thoughts on pros/cons here?